This tutorial was inspired by a 3D rendered version of the Google Android logo that I came across. So, I decided to try out achieving relativity the same result with Photoshop – CS 2 to be precised. And the final image was outstanding to say the least. The interplay of light and shadows are key for a near-realistic result for a traditionally 2D program as Photoshop.

The Google Android logo:

Step 1

In the first step, we’ll create a new document with the size of 800 px by 600 px and a resolution of about 140 dpi. Then we select the Ellipse Tool (U) and draw a circle.

Step 2

Right-click within the circle and select Fill Path and choose the fill colour as #a4ca39.

Step 3

You may enable Grids for guidance if you choose by pressing Ctrl+’. Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and make a selection at about half of the circle and hit the Delete to remove the selected area. Press Ctrl+D to to clear the selection. Now create a new layer and select the Pen Tool (P) and create an arc below whats left of the circle. Adjust the Anchor Points with your mouse or direction key on the keyboard until you’ve obtained a smooth curve.

Step 4

Fill the arc with #a4ca39.

Step 5

With the Rectangular Marquee Tool, clear the pen outline and merge the arc with the circle by pressing Ctrl+E.

Name this layer ‘head.’

Step 6

Double-click on the head layer for a Layer style. Select an Inner Glow Layer style and set its parameters below:

Step 7

Follow up with a Bevel and Emboss Layer style and set the parameters below:

Step 8

Well now add a light shadow with the Inner Shadow Layer style:

The result below:

Step 9

In a new layer, select the Ellipse Tool and draw an Ellipse within the head. Fill with a the colour #e5f2b6.

Step 10

Press Ctrl+T to enter the Free Transform Mode and then choose the Warp Tool to spread out the ellipse a little more within the head. Press Enter when done.

Step 11

Add a Bevel and Emboss Layer style:

You get the result below:

Step 12

Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur and set the Blur Radius to 4.8 pixels.

Now the droid’s head is looking more rounded with the light and dark areas.

Step 13

For a more shiny look, in a new layer, use the Pen Tool (P) draw something of an arc with the head as shown below:

Step 14

From other options within the Pen Tool from the Tools bar, select the Add Anchor Points Tool and of course add more anchor points adjusting and aligning them for smoother curves.

Step 15

Fill the curve with #.

Step 16

Head on to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur and set the Radius to about 9.5 pixels.

Step 17

Draw another curve over the previous one and fill with white.

Step 18

Apply a Gaussian blur at a Radius of 2.7 pixels.

There we have it! A shiny and plasticy top.

Step 19

For a the little antennas of the droid, create new layers ‘antenna1’and ‘antenna2’ respectively. Select the Rounded Rectangle Tool and set its Radius to 30 px. Then draw a thin rectangle and have it rotated diagonally with the the Free Transform Tool. Fill with colour: #a4ca39.

Step 20

Double-click the ‘antenna1’ layer to add an Inner Shadow Layer style to antenna. Just the Shading properties is adjusted here.

The result:

Step 21

Also add an Inner Shadow Layer style to the ‘antenna2’ layer with the adjustments below:

The result below:

Step 22

Go to the’ head’ layer and select the Burn Tool ‘O’ with its Highlights reduced to 25%in the Burn Tool Options bar. Create dark lines that would appear as reflections from the antennas.

Step 23

Once again, select the Ellipse Tool and draw two oblique circles for the eyes.

Step 25

Step 26

Step 27

Enable the Grids once more and with the Rounded Rectangle Tool, draw a square for the body of the android.

Step 28

Press Ctrl+T for Free Transform Mode and right-click the selection to select the Warp Tool. Drag and bend the upper and lower lines for a cylinder like shape and the warp handles to adjust these curves as you see it fit. Hit Enter when you’re done.

Step 29

Fill with the colour #a4ca39.

Step 30

Add a Bevel and Emboss Layer style to the ‘body’ layer with the parameters below:

Step 31

For the Gradient Overlay style, set the colours of the stops for Gradient as shown below:

Step 32

Still with the Gradient Overlay, set its Angle to zero degrees and increase the Scale to 107%.